MOTHER AND DAUGHTER RESCUED FROM CLIFFS AFTER BEING CUT OFF BY TIDE

A mother and her 26-year-old daughter were rescued from cliffs near Westward Ho! this evening after they became cut off by the tide during a walk.
The two had been walking from Westward Ho! towards Abbotsham and had turned back to walk along the beach when they realised that the tide had come in and cut them off. They climbed as far up the cliff as was safe, called 999 and spoke to Swansea Coastguard. The Coastguard sent the Westward Ho! Coastguard Rescue Team to the scene. The Appledore RNLI lifeboat, which was already out along the coast also offered its assistance. By chance the RAF rescue helicopter from Chivenor was also out on exercise and so it went to the scene.
The lifeboat soon spotted the two women on the cliff and was able to guide the helicopter towards them. The two women were then airlifted to the top of the cliff.
Bev Haigh, Swansea Coastguard Watch Manager says:
“We always advise people to check tide times before setting out along the coast – this information is readily available on the web. Although these women were caught out by the tide, they did exactly the right thing by getting themselves to a safe place and calling the Coastguard. They could easily have attempted to climb the grassy cliff, but sensibly, especially with the advancing darkness, they called for help instead.”

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